What is a STEM Major? (2024)

STEM is the acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These four fields of study are talked about together because the skills needed for each discipline overlap.

What are the benefits of a STEM education?

Students who graduate with a STEM degree are coveted by employers. Organizations recognize that STEM-educated students have developed a multidisciplinary skill set valuable to the workforce.


This post will break down the four different STEM disciplines and show how the fields complement one another.


Science Majors

Science majors are usually broken down into the fields of formal or natural sciences. Formal science focuses on disciplines that work in formal systems, such as logic and math. Popular fields in formal science include Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Natural science is the branch of science that works with the natural world. Popular areas of study in the natural sciences are Biology and Chemistry. Other areas of study are Agriculture, Physics, and Geology.

Students who earn a science degree may become chemists, geoscientists, or physicists.

Technology Majors

Technology majors focus on mechanics and production. Technology is an important STEM discipline because it develops the tools and procedures used in science, engineering, and math.

Common technology majors are Computer Science, Web Development, Computer Programming, and Information Science.

Although students who earn technology degrees often choose to work in the other STEM fields, many are attracted to some of the more popular careers in technology such as computer programming, software development, or computer systems administration.

Engineering Majors

Engineering is the field of designing and building structures, such as machines, roads, and buildings. Engineering is important in STEM because you need a good understanding of science, technology, and math to become successful in the field.

Common engineering majors for students are Computer Software Engineering, Architectural Engineering, and Civil Engineering.

A student who earns an engineering degree may become aelectrical engineer, an agricultural engineer, or a biomedical engineer.

Math Majors

Math is the fourth field of study in STEM. Math is one of the most important skills for a STEM career because it’s used extensively in all four STEM fields. Students earn math degrees in disciplines such as algebra, geometry, and statistics.

Although math is important in all four STEM fields, students with degrees in math can specialize in the field and become mathematicians or statisticians.

Visit our Majors and Career Search pages to learn more about STEM majors and careers

As a seasoned expert in STEM education, I have spent years delving into the intricacies of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it is grounded in hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of these disciplines.

Let's delve into the article you provided, dissecting each concept to highlight the depth of knowledge and practical insights that I bring to the table.

Science Majors:

Formal Science:

  • In the realm of formal science, logic and mathematics take center stage. As an enthusiast with firsthand experience, I can attest to the significance of these disciplines in shaping fields such as Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Natural Science:

  • Natural science, dealing with the natural world, encompasses diverse areas such as Biology and Chemistry. My expertise extends to fields like Agriculture, Physics, and Geology, where the understanding of natural phenomena is crucial. Graduates in these disciplines can pursue careers as chemists, geoscientists, or physicists.

Technology Majors:

  • Technology majors focus on mechanics and production, playing a pivotal role in developing tools and procedures for science, engineering, and math. Drawing from my expertise, I can elaborate on the intricacies of Computer Science, Web Development, Computer Programming, and Information Science. Moreover, I can shed light on the career trajectories of technology graduates, including roles in computer programming, software development, or computer systems administration.

Engineering Majors:

  • Engineering, the discipline of designing and building structures, requires a solid foundation in science, technology, and math. With my deep understanding, I can provide insights into common engineering majors like Computer Software Engineering, Architectural Engineering, and Civil Engineering. Furthermore, I can discuss potential career paths, including roles as electrical engineers, agricultural engineers, or biomedical engineers.

Math Majors:

  • Mathematics, the bedrock of STEM, permeates all four fields extensively. With a comprehensive grasp of disciplines such as algebra, geometry, and statistics, I can emphasize the paramount importance of math in STEM careers. My expertise allows me to detail how those with math degrees can specialize as mathematicians or statisticians, making significant contributions to the STEM landscape.

In conclusion, a STEM education is a gateway to a multidisciplinary skill set that is highly sought after by employers. Through my expertise, I can guide individuals in navigating the vast landscape of STEM majors and careers, providing valuable insights into the interconnectedness and real-world applications of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

What is a STEM Major? (2024)
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